by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 31, 2019 | Blog
“Your success marks a historic moment for California robotics teams and is a testament to the growth of science and technology within our state.” – GAVIN NEWSOM
7 California FIRST teams were honored by Governor Gavin Newsom at the State Capitol on Wednesday for their FIRST Championship accomplishments!
Teams included the all-California winning FRC alliance (FRC Team 973: Greybots, MadTown Robotics – FRC Team 1323, Burlingame Robotics, FRC Team 4201, The Vitruvian Bots ), Finalists Team 254: The Cheesy Poofs and Subdivision Winners FRC Team 1678: Citrus Circuits and Team 971: Spartan Robotics.
Governor Newsom and Assembly Members Frank Bigelow, Marc Berman, Cecilia Aguilar-Curry, Kevin Mullins plus other members of our state government came out to personally congratulate teams, watch demos and talk to team members.
The media was out in full force to capture this important moment.
FIRST teams makin’ history and makin’ it loud!
by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 31, 2019 | Blog
We are so proud of all 116 FIRST teams from California who brought their “A” game to compete, collaborate, have fun and make memories with the other 15,000 students from around the world! To capture the energy and spirit of the event in words seems impossible, so we’re sharing videos that give a glimpse of what our California teams experienced.
FIRST Impact
We hear these words over and over again – “FIRST is life-changing”
And we ourselves tell our sponsors, friends and family about how far-reaching the impact of FIRST is. But me…telling you…about it, doesn’t really have the same effect as if you hear it from the students themselves.
So, during FIRST Championship in Houston , we ran around to our California teams to ask them how FIRST has impacted their life.
This is what they had to say. ♡
AWARDS!
Congratulations to the following California teams, students and volunteers who are bringing home a huge amount of impressive awards.
⭐️ Volunteer of the Year Award – Jill Wilker from Fremont
⭐️ Dean’s List Winners – Jacob Rodriguez, FRC Team 4322 – Clockwork Oranges – Crew 1701 from Orange County; Divya Satrawada, Monta Vista F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Team 115 from Cupertino; Emily Miner NANO NERDSf rom Folson
☆☆☆ FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION ☆☆☆
⭐️All California Winning Alliance!!! FRC Team 973: Greybots from Atascadero; MadTown Robotics – FRC Team 1323 from Madera; Burlingame Robotics from Burlingame; FRC Team 4201, the Vitruvian Botsfrom El Segundo
⭐️Finalists: Team 254: The Cheesy Poofs
⭐️Subdivision Winners: Team 254, The Cheesy Poofs from San Jose; FRC Team 1678: Citrus Circuits from Davis; Team 971: Spartan Robotics from Mountain View; FRC Team 973: Greybots from Atascadero; Team 1323, MadTown Robotics from Madera; Burlingame Robotics from Burlingame; FRC Team 4201, The Vitruvian Bots from El Segundo, Team 254, The Cheesy Poofs from San Jose
⭐️Entrepreneurship Award: FRC Team 1678: Citrus Circuits from Davis
⭐️Excellence in Engineering Award: FRC Team 846 – The Funky Monkeys from San Jose; Team 971: Spartan Robotics from Mountain View
⭐️Gracious Professionalism® Award: EagleForce2073 from Elk Grove; Ellipse 6814 from Santa Rosa
⭐️Imagery Award: Team 1622, Team Spyder from San Diego
⭐️Industrial Design Award: MadTown Robotics – FRC Team 1323 from Madera; Team 254, The Cheesy Poofs from San Jose
⭐️Safety Award: Team 3250, Kennedy Robotics from Sacramento
⭐️ Quality Award: Team 3476: Code Orange from Irvine
⭐️ Highest Rookie Seed: Team 7887, Final FRONTIER from Camarillo
☆☆☆ FIRST TECH CHALLENGE ☆☆☆
⭐️ Motivate Award: Marlbots FTC 3526 from Los Angeles
⭐️Control Award: FTC 8404 Quixilver from San Jose
☆☆☆ FIRST LEGO LEAGUE JR ☆☆☆
⭐️Design and Show Award: Team 21, Castronauts from Santa Clara
⭐️Innovative Explorers Award: Team 50, Weibel Starfleet from Fremont
⭐️Innovative Model Award: Team 18, Robotic RECK Rovers from Campbell
⭐️ Creative Model Award: Team 22, Builder Beavers from San Diego
⭐️ Cooperative Model Award: Team 19, Robo Wildcats from Los Angeles
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Many many thanks to all the mentors, volunteers, sponsors and parents who helped make this all possible! With extra special thanks to the 2019 FIRST Championship Presenting Sponsor Qualcomm who continues to fully embrace the FIRST community with open arms and great generosity.
by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 28, 2019 | Blog, sacramento
Congratulations to the 59 Teams from California, Hawaii, Nevada, Idaho and China PLUS all the Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members who participated in the Sacramento FIRST Robotics Regional from March 20-23, 2019!
ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!
The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Sacramento Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston in April.
Regional Chairman’s Award
Team 701, RoboVikes from Fairfield, CA
The Chairman’s Award represents the true spirit of FIRST. It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award. The Chairman’s Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the Chairman’s Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.
What the judges had to say …
“With a solid, sustainable plan for in-house & outreach success, this team is the backbone of support for numerous FLL, VEX & FRC teams in their region. Maintaining a strong relationship with sponsors, they give business, technical & financial assistance to numerous First teams. This financial support also extends throughout the community to non-direct FIRST programs such as the District migrant educational school programs. Notably, they have mentored numerous Chairman Award nominees & regional alliance winners. Their respect within the community not only emphasizes the four values of FIRST but a dedicated willingness to “Always be there for Support ”.
The ship sails through rough seas, the journey is long & at times uncertain. Their Wind-swept sails are tightly rigged, the crew well disciplined – ready for the adventure ahead.. Even with a new captain, this Viking team’s course travels straight and true – their mission is just – encouraging others – knowing that they will follow.”
Engineering Inspiration
Team 3598, SEStematic Eliminators from Sacramento, CA
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.
What the judges had to say …
“This outstanding team looked around their community in search of diverse opportunities to spread a passion for STEM. In multiple partnerships with community leaders and organizations, they provide opportunities to youth who have been underrepresented in STEM programs. Through an exciting STEM night, FLL, FTC, and FRC teams, and more than 35 workshops held in local libraries, they have systemically impacted youth in YMCA, the probationary department, and the society for the blind.“
Regional Winners
Team 1323, Madtown Robotics from Madera, CA
Team 1678, Citrus Circuits from Davis, CA
Team 3859, Wolfpack Robotics from Elk Grove, CA
Rookie All-Star Award
Team 7663, Sleuth Robotics from Fresno, CA
This award celebrates a 1st year team demonstrating an early but strong partnership effort, implementing the mission of FIRST. Its winner understands what FIRST is really trying to accomplish and realizes that technical work is fun and challenging, made better by building a partnership among team, community and school. This is not an easy challenge for a rookie team but the judges want to recognize and reward one team that got it right.
What the judges had to say …
“This small rookie team has already started to inspire students with outreach through FLL Programming Workshops. Their ability to solve problems on the spot is note-worthy of Sherlock Holmes. This robot sneaks by their competitors and fills the cargo ship.“
Regional Finalists
(Advancing to Championships because of a Wild Card)
Team 3250, Kennedy Robotics from Sacramento, CA
Dean’s List Finalist
FIRST Dean’s List Finalist – Katie Stachowicz from Team 1678
What the judges had to say …
“This student showcases leadership and an entrepreneurial spirit in everything she does. From leading relationships with sponsors to organizing any of her team’s most prominent outreach programs, without her the team would be unable to achieve such a high impact on the community.”
FIRST Dean’s List Finalist – Sarah Bergendahl from Team 701
What the judges had to say …
“This student exemplifies what it means to be a leader. Her skills in programming scouting software and effective communication with sponsors and team supporters through a monthly newsletter are a few examples of her impact on both the team and the local community.”
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List.
This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.
Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
Randall Lam from Team 1458, Red Tie Robotics
Additional Awards
Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Sacramento Regional! See the list here.
Press
Link to the above video and article here.
First place and more awards for Citrus Circuits
Kaprekar’s Constants compete in Sacramento Regional 2019
Support
An immense THANK YOU to all the Sponsors who contributed to this very successful Regional with funding, mentors, volunteers and enthusiasm! Regional Sponsors include the Brin Wojcicki Foundation, UC Davis College of Engineering and the US Army.
We hope you too had a memorable experience at the Sacramento Regional. We’d love to hear your stories. Please consider sharing them with us here in the comments below or on our facebook page. Photo and video links welcome!
by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 28, 2019 | Blog, Los Angeles
Congratulations to the 56 Teams from California, Hawaii, Arizon and Chile PLUS all the Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members who participated in the Los Angeles FIRST Robotics Regional from March 20-23, 2019!
ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!
The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Sacramento Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston in April.
Regional Chairman’s Award
Team 1515, MorTorq from Beverly Hills, CA
The Chairman’s Award represents the true spirit of FIRST. It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award. The Chairman’s Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the Chairman’s Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.
What the judges had to say …
“This year’s recipient strives to enrich their students with the knowledge of robotics and nurture their members as future leaders of society by creating a launch pad for their success. As an active participant in FIRST for over 13 years, this team embodies FIRST’s mission by spreading their love of STEM beyond robotics in order to foster a multi-generational change. The team motivates members to create their own events, plan meetings, and develop vital leadership skills. They have developed applications for FRC teams to efficiently organize tasks, manage files chat with members, aid in scouting, map teams around the globe, and help track their inventory of parts. This team impressed the judges with their Developer Evangelism, Qualitative Focus and introduction of ‘Women in STEM’ speaker series. They are MORE than a team, they are ‘MorTorq’.“
Engineering Inspiration
Team 5512, Pizza Mecanica from Santiago, Chile
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.
What the judges had to say …
“This team has helped lead a regional culture shift toward inclusion of diverse team members in STEM activities and exposure to the FIRST philosophy, especially in underserved communities. Based on significant growth over the past year, they have been recognized by national government agencies leading to increased visibility of FIRST, locally, and regionally. Their efforts to channel the message of FIRST through teacher engagement will allow this message to thrive and grow for years to come. The passion, dedication and commitment to their community programs in robotics are a true inspiration to us all. For having demonstrated the core values and philosophy of FIRST in such a “flavorful” way, we recognize PIZZA MECÁNICA.“
Regional Winners
Team 5199, Robot Dolphins from Outerspace from San Juan Capistrano
Team 330, Beach Bots from Hermosa Beach, CA
Team 2710, JetStream from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Rookie All-Star Award
Team 7871, South Gate High School Robotics from South Gate, CA
This award celebrates a 1st year team demonstrating an early but strong partnership effort, implementing the mission of FIRST. Its winner understands what FIRST is really trying to accomplish and realizes that technical work is fun and challenging, made better by building a partnership among team, community and school. This is not an easy challenge for a rookie team but the judges want to recognize and reward one team that got it right.
What the judges had to say …
“When embarking on this journey, this team discovered a lot. Through partnerships with the team’s school, faculty, city, and other FRC teams, this rookie team launched a successful first season. With continued fundraising efforts, this team has built a strong foundation. We’re excited to recognize this team that came strong out the GATES.”
Regional Finalists
(Advancing to Championships because of 2 Wild Cards)
Team 4415, Epic Robotz from Cerritos, CA
Team 2375, Dragon Robotics from Phoenix, AZ
Dean’s List Finalist
FIRST Dean’s List Finalist – Shyla Summers from Team 589
What the judges had to say …
“This Dean’s List finalist has been a long-time FIRST participant, and truly represents the best of FIRST through strong leadership, outreach activities, and technical contributions to the team.”
FIRST Dean’s List Finalist – Josef Kirkman from Team 687
What the judges had to say …
“This Dean’s List finalist is a dedicated and hard-working team member. With strong technical and leadership skills, this individual motivates other team members and constantly promotes FIRST.”
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List.
This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.
Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
Shane Palmerino from Team 330, Beach Bots
Additional Awards
Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Los Angeles Regional! See the list here.
Press
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
High Schoolers Compete for Robotics Glory
AZFamily.com
Phoenix high school robotics team hopes to earn money for big competition
EQUIPO PIZZA MECÁNICA DEL LICEO VALENTÍN LETELIER CLASIFICA AL MUNDIAL DE ROBÓTICA
Support
An immense THANK YOU to all the Sponsors who contributed to this very successful Regional with funding, mentors, volunteers and enthusiasm! Regional Sponsors include Raytheon, Marathon, Roddenberry Foundation, Boeing, PWC, Southern California Edison, Walt Disney Imagineering, The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norrris Foundation, SpaceX, Boston Scientific, GoGuardian, Vigrin Orbit, Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Petty, Gerald Oppenheimer Family Foundation, The Habiby Family, Sue Baumgarten and David Totheroh, Bancroft-Clair Foundation and the Armand Hammer Foundation.
We hope you too had a memorable experience at the Los Angeles Regional. We’d love to hear your stories. Please consider sharing them with us here in the comments below or on our facebook page. Photo and video links welcome!
*Blog cover photo credit goes to Team 1323
by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 28, 2019 | Blog, Monterey Bay
Congratulations to the 36 Teams from California and China PLUS all the Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members who participated in the Inaugural Monterey Bay FIRST Robotics Regional from March 21-24, 2019!
It was amazing to kick off the inaugural event with Woodie Flowers who, as always, inspired the crowd and spent time with each individual team.
You can catch Woodie’s thought provoking opening speech in the video below. 👇🏼
ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!
The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Monterey Bay Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston in April.
Regional Chairman’s Award
Team 1671, Buchanan Bird Brains from Clovis, CA
The Chairman’s Award represents the true spirit of FIRST. It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award. The Chairman’s Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the Chairman’s Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.
What the judges had to say …
“This team flies around their community, delivering extensive mentoring and workshops. They’ve really spread their wings through their signature workshop in a box, children’s activity book, and other initiatives to help identify the districts in need of resources.
Terns for the worst? No ruffled feathers, no grousing around. There’s no ducking of responsibility on this team : they flock together and do what needs to be done.“
Engineering Inspiration
Team 2073, EagleForce from Elk Grove, CA
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.
What the judges had to say …
“Their outreach to elementary schools, the community, and within their schools allow others to GEEK OUT. The RIGHT ARM of this team is reaching out on a project to help a student in their district. Their academy has expanded their school district’s offering of new classes. Their annual learning-based off-season event inspires other FRC teams. They have proven themselves as a FORCE to be reckoned with.“
Regional Winners
Team 1671, Buchanan Bird Brains from Clovis, CA
Team 6814, Ellipse from Santa Rosa, CA
Team 702, Bagel Bytes from Culver City, CA
Team 2643, Dark Matter from San Jose, CA
Rookie All-Star Award
Team 7528, Nuts and Bolts from Morgan Hill, CA
This award celebrates a 1st year team demonstrating an early but strong partnership effort, implementing the mission of FIRST. Its winner understands what FIRST is really trying to accomplish and realizes that technical work is fun and challenging, made better by building a partnership among team, community and school. This is not an easy challenge for a rookie team but the judges want to recognize and reward one team that got it right.
What the judges had to say …
“Our Rookie All-Star Award is presented to a team which was very efficient in their execution as demonstrated by IMPRESSIVE rankings this weekend. With a well stated business plan, including a mission to inspire enthusiasm for STEM, some key sponsorship and a sustainable plan with outreach PLUS helping a local middle school FLL team, this team has fastened themselves together to build and develop into a winning FIRST robotics team.“
Regional Finalists
(Advancing to Championships because of 3 Wild Cards)
Team 3128, Aluminum Narwhals from San Diego, CA
Team 6506, Steel Boot from Salinas, CA
Team 6059, System Overload Robotics from Livermore, CA
Dean’s List Finalist
FIRST Dean’s List Finalist – Christopher Oliver from Team 7667
FIRST Dean’s List Finalist – Cady Boronkay from Team 2643
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List.
This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.
Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
Shifei Yin from Team 5823 in China was presented the Woodie Flowers Finalist award by non-other than Woodie Flowers himself!
Additional Awards
Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Monterey Bay Regional! See the list here.
Press
Above video and article link here.
Support
An immense THANK YOU to all the Sponsors who contributed to this very successful Regional with funding, mentors, volunteers and enthusiasm! Regional Sponsors include the Brin Wojcicki Foundation and Salad Savoy.
Thanks to Matt Lussier, Worldwide FIRST Program Manager from FIRST’s strategic partner Apple, who inspired all by reminding us that “humanity isn’t singular it’s plural, its our differences that bring us together” and to embrace diversity.
Opening remarks from Congressman Jimmy Panetta.
We hope you too had a memorable experience at the inaugural Monterey Bay Regional. We’d love to hear your stories. Please consider sharing them with us here in the comments below or on our facebook page. Photo and video links welcome!
